Ben Creagh and Gareth Widdop have been named St George Illawarra's co-captains for the 2016 NRL season.

With Creagh, 30, being regularly interchanged, the Dragons have opted to let Widdop take charge on match day as team captain, with Creagh remaining club skipper.

Creagh is just seven matches away from overtaking the Dragons' all-time appearance record of 273 held by former captain Ben Hornby, while England Test five-eighth Widdop has played 118 NRL matches, including 48 with the Dragons.

"I really felt that for the team to move forward we needed a captain who could play the entire 80 minutes and with Ben now playing in the middle and being regularly interchanged, for me Gareth was the right person," Dragons coach Paul McGregor said in a statement.

"Gareth is in an important position, he is on the field and on the ball for most of the game and is at the right age. I also see it as an important part of his development.

"Ben will still play an important role outside of game day instilling the culture and values that are held here at the Dragons.

"Ben is in the twilight of his career and I would really like him to enjoy his footy and not have to concern himself too much about game day other than going out and doing what he needs to do for the team."